Ultimatum by Punjab real estate regulator: ‘Get registered by July 31 to carry on with business ’

The process of the registration has been uploaded on www.pbhousing.gov.in.

Around 180 projects are in various stages in Mohali, Zirakpur and Kharar. (HT File )

The builders and real estate agents who have not come forward yet to register themselves under the Punjab Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) should better hurry.

The July-31 deadline for the mandatory registration is set to expire in eight days, but only six builders have applied for registration under the newly created real estate watchdog.

It is despite the fact that Zirakpur alone has over 80 projects in running stage, and over 100 real estate projects are in various stages of completion in Mohali and Kharar. Besides only realty agents have moved applications.

Vini Mahajan, additional chief secretary, department of housing and urban development, said the builders and agents should proactively start submitting applications for registration before the deadline to avoid any kind of hindrance to their business.

“In case projects are left unregistered after the deadline, the department will be forced to invoke Sector 3 (1) of the Punjab Real Estate (Regulation & Development) Rules, which mandates that no promoter can advertise, market, book, sell or offer for sale or invite intending buyers to purchase any plot/apartment/building in a real estate project if they not registered under RERA,” she said.

Mahajan said no real estate agent can facilitate the sale or purchase of any plot, apartment or building, without obtaining the mandatory registration. She said the deadline will not be extended since registration is mandatory under the central act.

Only 6 builders have applied so far

Realtors not coming forward yet even as 80% projects in Mohali district are yet to get completion certificate

Why has the regulator been created?

The watchdog has been created to bring transparency in the real estate sector and protect homebuyers. While its chairman has already been appointed, nomination of its members and staff besides opening of its permanent office are expected soon.

What is meant by registration?

The builders are to disclose project-related information, including project plan, layout and government approvals, which will also be uploaded on the authority’s website. If RERA is satisfied with the information, the builders will be issued registration certificate for further execution of the ongoing projects. In case of rejection, they may be given chance to remove defections. The same rules apply to individual brokers and dealers.

Who all needs to get registered?

As per the rules notified by the state government, those projects that have not got the completion certificate will be considered under the bracket of ongoing projects. These all need to get registered under RERA. According to records, more than 80% of real estate projects in Mohali district are yet to get completion certificate, which is granted after the project is completed, strictly as per the sanctioned designs and layout plan.

What is the relevance of the process?

Any major change in the project will be done only after receiving the consent of two-thirds of homebuyers. To avoid diversion of funds, RERA mandates that developers should maintain 70% of the funds collected from the buyers in a separate bank account to ensure smooth development.

Where to apply?

The builders, agents can submit the application at the PUDA Bhawan in Mohali or at the office of additional chief secretary, housing and urban development, in the Punjab mini-secretariat, Sector 9, Chandigarh. The process of the registration has been uploaded onwww.pbhousing.gov.in.